Exploring the Role of Nonviolent Intrapersonal Communication in Enhancing our Self-Concept for Evolution of Responsible Citizenship

In contemporary times, a large number of individuals- due to multitude of concerns and challenges- often find themselves engaging in toxic or violent intrapersonal communication. They have to face difficult situations, varieties of inner conflicts and suffer from stress. Besides, violent intrapersonal communication leads to a negative self-concept and lowering of self-esteem. It is within this background that introducing nonviolent intrapersonal communication- to be nurtured and practiced in our daily lives- becomes crucial. By practicing nonviolent intrapersonal communication, a toxic inner communication ecosystem is transformed into a healthy one.

When elements of nonviolent intrapersonal communication- like self-compassion, loving kindness towards self, avoidance of being judgmental towards self- are assimilated, the negative self-concept changes into a positive one. This paper will precisely look at this dimension using open-ended self-reports of respondents who have been oriented towards practicing nonviolent intrapersonal communication. Further, the paper will gauge on how the positive self-concept, which evolves by the use of nonviolent intrapersonal communication, gives a direction toward altruistic action, an essential element of responsible citizenship. The overarching goal of the paper is to attempt to develop an intrinsic link between nonviolent intrapersonal communication and its role in the development of a positive self-concept which gives way to altruistic action.